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16 Dec, 2022 by Ahamed musthafa
17 Mar, 2022 by Danny j. adams
09 Oct, 2021 by Christopher hendrix
I retained Peter last year to create a will and trust. He was great at answering all my questions. He was easy to work with from the initial consult to signing the final documents. His fees were very fair, and I would happily retain him again if I needed legal services.
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10 Reviews
27 Aug, 2023 by Neal and ann
Sharon prepared the will and four related documents for each of us, handling some unusual requests and unanticipated complications very well. At all times she was helpful, efficient, accommodating, and responsive to our needs. We recommend her highly.
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16 Dec, 2022 by Ahamed musthafa
17 Mar, 2022 by Danny j. adams
28 Apr, 2024 by Nick
I'm so glad I found her. She is incredibly knowledgeable. More importantly, she was understanding, empathetic, and helpful as I struggled with the difficult decisions that are an inevitable part of living wills.
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16 Dec, 2022 by Ahamed musthafa
17 Mar, 2022 by Danny j. adams
27 Aug, 2024 by Doroteo sanchez
Simplemente los mejores
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26 Aug, 2024 by G b
Great service
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25 Aug, 2024 by Jacquie holmes
I reached out to Sarah for assistance. She was so quick to answer and provided me the information I needed. I highly recommend this firm! Call her first!
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23 Aug, 2024 by Nate arthur
I had a fantastic experience with Skidmore and Fomina Employment Law Firm in Seattle. Damien and Vera were truly exceptional in handling my case. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. Their guidance and expertise made the entire process much less stressful. I felt supported every step of the way, and their dedication to achieving the best possible outcome was evident. I highly recommend Skidmore and Fomina for anyone seeking top-notch employment law services in Seattle. It would be an understatement to say I will never forget what these people did for me. From the bottom of my heart; thank you, Damien and Vera, for your outstanding work!
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22 Aug, 2024 by Kevin trombold
Wow. Andrew is a magician! He makes tickets disappear. Mine did! Organized, efficient, effective, amazing bedside manner, he's a super lawyer and more.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Cionte graham
I honestly and truly love the hard work, dedication & consistency Damisi & his team provided for me during these hard times❤️
It's not often these days to find a team let alone trust worthy individuals who will fight for you to make sure you are taken care of both mentally, physically & financially.
The communication and follow-ups were perfect. The understanding, patience and support I received during this process for both my case and personal life were unmatched. This was definitely not just another case in the books for them.
I lost both my grandmother & father during this process and Damisi & his team reached out multiple times to insure I was ok.
This team faught tooth & nails for me and made sure that in the end I was taken care of.
I am a single mother of 3 & the main provider for my family. Because of this accident I was at risk of losing my job, and lost my home due to being hit by an uninsured truck driver. I can't thank this team enough for taking my case and reassuring me that they had my back and they delivered everything they said they would ❤️
Thanks to this team my family & I are able to have a worry free fresh start & I am so THANKFUL for them ❤️
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22 Aug, 2024 by Mike
Joshua C. Wheeler from Wheeler Family Law (WFL) helped me with a Child Support Order case in the Spring and Summer of 2024. He did an amazing job at representing me in all aspects of the case. Joshua was very proactive in communicating all legal matters and was timely in getting the legal matters addressed with my ex's lawyer as well as with the court. He was always readily available when I had questions or concerns regarding the case and could jump on a call when needed. I highly recommend Joshua based on my experience with this case and comparing to other lawyers I've worked with in the past. He is highly professional and gets the job done. I was also very pleased with the result of the case and couldn't have asked for a better outcome!
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22 Aug, 2024 by Larry
I recently had the privilege of working with Josh Wheeler to represent me during my divorce. I cannot speak highly enough about the exceptional service I received.
Josh has a vast knowledge of family law with many years of experience that was evident from our initial consultation.
During our first contact, unlike other attorneys I interviewed, he took time to explain the legal process, how the law is structured, and the outcome I could expect.
Through the entire process Josh demonstrated unwavering dedication, professionalism, and expertise. He took time to listen to my story, asked pertinent questions, and provided clear explanations of the legal processes involved.
I highly recommend the services of Wheeler Family Law.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Nadia
As someone who recently navigated the waters of divorce, I can confidently say that Josh was nothing short of a guiding light throughout the entire process. From the moment I first consulted with him until the final resolution, Josh's expertise was evident every step of the way.
One of the most commendable aspects of Josh's approach was his dedication to ensuring that I fully understood each phase of the divorce process. Divorce can be overwhelming, filled with legal jargon and procedures, but Josh took the time to break down every aspect in a way that was clear and accessible. He patiently answered all of my questions and addressed any concerns I had, providing reassurance and clarity when I needed it most.
What truly sets Josh apart, however, is his dedication to making the divorce process as smooth and painless as possible. Thanks to his expertise and guidance, what could have been a daunting and emotionally taxing experience was instead manageable and, dare I say, somewhat bearable.
In conclusion, I cannot recommend Josh highly enough for anyone in need of a divorce attorney. His compassion, expertise, and commitment to his clients make him an invaluable ally during what is undoubtedly a challenging time.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Cheryl
Bis was thorough in explaining and guiding us through the estate planning process. He was professional and timely in responding. I would recommend Bis' services.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Wendy
Someone You Can Trust!!! Word's can not describe how I feel except thank you.
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19 Mar, 2024 by Mostafa
Hi,
I was trying to find a RE planning attorney and reached out to few of them. Bis understood what I am looking for, he provided clarity by jumping on a call with me and he discussed my options, and he executed super quickly which is amazing. he worked with my MetLife legal plan as well.
Bis is awesome and definitely will hire him again!
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03 Aug, 2019 by Steven
Erin made the estate planning process smooth and pain-free for me. I had previously contacted two other Seattle attorneys who turned me down as a client simply because an S-corp is part of the mix for me—you would think that most estate planning lawyers would have some experience dealing with S-corps, but apparently not.
Erin went out of her way to double-check that she was handling my S-corp correctly. She's low-key, personable, no-drama, organized, efficient and professional, and prices her services fairly, no pun intended.
I'm confident referring anyone to Erin who needs the basic docs: Financial POA, Health Care POA, Advance Directives, Disposition of Remains, and of course, a Will. She supplies both official hard copies and PDF files of everything and also gives you tips about what else needs to be taken care of and understood, from setting up mutual fund beneficiaries to probate and estate taxes. I enjoyed discussing legal "what ifs" with her.
Erin, you really made the whole thing easier than I expected! Of course, it does help—whomever you choose to draw up your documents—if you do some advance reading about estate planning and familiarize yourself with the vocabulary and basic concepts. Nolo Press, for example, publishes some good primers on the subject.
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30 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Working with Erin is delightful, even with sensitive issues. Happy to recommend her.
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05 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Pleasant discussion with Ms. Fairley on transferring of legal personal documents from another law firm to her.
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04 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Spencer responded in a very timely manner. He is professional and kind and would advocate well for any client.
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31 Oct, 2017 by Seth rosenberg
I have known James Spencer for as long as I have practiced law. He is the attorney I always recommend whenever someone asks me for an attorney who handles wills, trusts and estates. In fact, I have used him myself. He is smart, very honest, and a wealth of knowledge. On top of that, he is a skilled litigator - something that is rare for attorneys in his field.
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01 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
My wife and I were lucky enough to be referred to James Spencer for our legal needs (will, power of attorney, health directive, etc.). He was very professional, thorough, and knowledgeable about LGBT issues. He is also affordable, and INCREDIBLY patient with us, given that we would often delay in getting him information. Yet he always responded immediately. We felt very taken care of, and have complete trust in him. I fully recommend him!
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24 Aug, 2017 by Mark
Recently my aunt passed away leaving behind an estate that had property in two different states (WA and PA). At the time we felt overwhelmed not knowing where to start. Anna helped my family walk through the different tax considerations for each state, consulting with attorneys in PA to make sure all details were considered and covered. Every step of the way she made us feel like our concerns were being heard and was always available to answer our questions. My family not only appreciated Anna's knowledge and expertise, but also the patience and time she devoted to making sure we knew what was happening and that we understood all of our options. We feel so fortunate to have had Anna advising us during a difficult time for our family.
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08 Dec, 2016 by Jane
Anna helped my husband and I draft a will for our family. It was one of those tasks that we dreaded doing but Anna made the whole process easy to understand and painless to follow through on.
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02 Jul, 2015 by Dennis
OK, this was a great experience. My wife just had twins! That made me think I should have some plans in place. A colleague at work referred me to Anna Cashman for financial, estate, and 'future' planning. She walked the 'four' of us through the process, which Anna made very simple, straightforward, and easy. It showed us how knowledgeable she was. Boy do I feel great having a plan for my new family. Thank you Anna, keep up the GREAT work!
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11 Dec, 2019 by Michael
I utilized Karl on two occasions. The first was to update my elderly Mother's will and the second was to update my will and create a Power of Attorney for both me and my Wife.
On both occasions (10 years apart) he provided great expertise along with appropriate questions to ensure he knew what we wanted to accomplish and we knew the ramifications of the requests we made.
He also willingly answered follow up questions over the phone. I would hire him again without hesitation and refer him to anyone needing a good Estate Attorney.
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12 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I contacted Karl after seeing his Avvo profile as I had some trust- related questions. He spent 15 minutes patiently answering my questions and explaining things to me. At the end of the call, I asked him if he needed to charge me for giving me his legal advice. He said no need, too much trouble he said! What a nice guy! He said if I ever needed to hire an attorney, give him a call. You bet Karl. Thanks a lot. Much appreciated!
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17 Nov, 2013 by Daniel
My father passed away and I was chosen as the estate rep. My parents had used Karl before so I called him. It was a pretty difficult time for me and was very unsure of what to do. After my meeting with Karl I was very relieved to have found him. Flash forward one year and I'm done with the estate and Karl has been there with me the whole time. He is extremely knowledgeable and well versed. Karl is also very down to earth and personable. He strikes me as a genuinely caring person at work and I'll have to assume off work too. I would go out of my way to recommend Karl to anyone willing to listen.
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15 Jul, 2014 by Roxanne
Johanna is my go-to estate planning attorney in Washington State. My own estate planning practice is based in Bay Area, but I often have clients or colleagues ask me for referrals to a trustworthy and personable attorney in Seattle. I always refer them to Johanna, because of her hardworking reputation and professionalism. I have also witnessed first-hand her patience and attention to detail in walking her clients through the estate planning process. Simply put, in an area of law that can be difficult to navigate, Johanna is someone I trust. My staff and I happily refer clients and colleagues to her.
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07 Jul, 2014 by Duyen
Johanna Coolbaugh was proactive, thorough, and knowledgeable. She took the time to understand our personal situation and needs, thus making sure that our estate plan was comprehensive and appropriate for our family. Estate planning was something my husband and I had discussed for a long time, but were overwhelmed with the options and legal speak. Johanna put us at ease and made sure our plan was comprehensive--she ask questions that we hadn't even thought of. Additionally, Johanna was super responsive, whether it was via email or phone. No question was a dumb question, she answered all of our questions quickly and in language that we understood. We would definitely recommend Johanna to friends an family.
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07 Jul, 2014 by Harte
As a CPA and estate planning peer, I've had the pleasure of working with Johanna's boss, Jim Treadwell, for several decades on mutual estate planning clients, several of which are multi-generational. In the last few years, Johanna has taken on the lion's share of the work at their end on these clients and I find she is completely on-board with all the family dynamics, issues and able to devote the right about of time to managing all the details which can make or break relationships like these. I look forward to having my CPA firm work with Johanna on mutual clients in the future.
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08 Oct, 2018 by Jeanne
I have worked with a number of attorneys in my lifetime and it has very often been a draining experience. Sarah was a breath of fresh air! Warm, compassionate, knowledgeable, and patient, she guided my husband and me through a second marriage estate plan. It was an entirely different process than anything I'd ever experienced. I wish I met Sarah sooner! I would highly recommend her for any of your estate planning needs. She's a keeper.
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03 May, 2018 by Aamer
I hired Sarah to work on a probate and a will. At the time we hired Sarah, our family was going through an extremely difficult time due to the unusual, unique nature of our situation.
Sarah was helpful, responsive, and readily available when we needed. her. I appreciated the fact that she took a practical approach, giving fair advice on what steps we should take while also looking out for opportunities to avoid unnecessary waste of time and money.
Most of all, I was appreciative of her empathetic approach; it made the whole process easier for me and my family. A few months after I hired her, I ran into an unexpected, separate legal matter and we again turned to her for advice during this difficult time. Though it was not an area she works in, she came to my help as a friend and guided me in the right direction. Her advice quite literally may have changed the course of my life.
Thank you, Sarah, for your help during a difficult time and for being there for our family when we needed you!
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19 Nov, 2015 by Roxane
Sarah is an attorney that you can really trust to make the best recommendations for you and your family. She is intelligent, quick thinking, honest and has a lot of integrity in her work. What really makes me feel safe and confident with her work is that she thinks of things that I don't and that is the kind of lawyer I want working for me. I trust Sarah completely. When I sit down with Sarah, I can tell that she really cares about her work and wants to help me and my husband make the best decisions for our future.
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18 Nov, 2019 by Michele
Marisa is very knowledgeable and well informed woman. She took over a very traditional firm and has respected the values and integrity of the former founders. She runs the firm with both the old-school values and the new millennium sophistication. She helped me with a very complicated estate plan. She listened, gave sound advice and treated me in a very caring and real manor. In the end we came up with a strong plan that will ensure protection and financial security for my child. The peace of mind and professional outcome was incredible. I have referred many people to her since in hopes that they follow through and contact her.
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25 Jun, 2019 by Jenna
Attorney Marisa Broggel recently helped me with some estate planning work I needed to do. She is compassionate and very knowledgeable. She is good at breaking down the legal terms into language I could understand. She did a great job for me and my family. I would highly recommend McCune, Godfrey, Emerick & Broggel.
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23 Dec, 2014 by Chaz
Marisa's qualifications, education, and experience are excellent. She is very customer oriented and takes her time getting to know her clients and often they become long term customers. She's an exceptional listener, knows how to take the legal terminology and communicate it into terms I can understand, rates are reasonable and she cares. I have no hesitation recommending her as your attorney.
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08 Oct, 2021 by Jason
Kjersti was a pleasure to work with in regards to our estate/family planning documents! She was quick and responsive throughout the process, and took the time to thoroughly explain things to us. I would happily work with Kjersti again on any legal needs.
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14 Feb, 2020 by Kristen
Kjersti was very professional and responsive. She got back to me extremely quickly and walked me through the process of creating a living will and testament. She was willing to meet with me whenever it was convenient and even came to my work so I didn't have to travel. She was very good at explaining my different options and being unbiased so that I could make the best decision for myself. This was my first time writing a will so having someone who was patient and explained terminology really helped!
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13 Jan, 2020 by Jennifer
My husband and I were in need of drafting a will and reached out to Kjersti for help. She was very professional, timely, and explained every part of the process in a way we could understand. It was clear that helping others is her passion and was very thorough in doing so. I highly recommend her services to anyone in need of these services!
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21 Mar, 2024 by Josh
Tom and Meredith were the best people imaginable to help with my mother's estate. Walked me through the whole process in a caring and personal way. No one else I'd rather have represent me or my mother's estate. One of these days I'm going to stop procrastinating and get my estate planning done and know exactly who to go to.
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08 Nov, 2021 by Mstislav seligman
11 Dec, 2019 by Denise “dee†dees raymond
08 Dec, 2012 by Boyce
My wife and I have been working with Kristina for over 14 years, beginning with estate work for one of our parents and continuing with our own legal matters since then. In a word, she is phenomenal. She always offers us outstanding legal advice and counsel, she knows current laws and regulations, and her work has been flawless. Whether small issues or large, she takes the time to fully understand the situation and carefully reviews various options before advising us. We have complete trust in her, appreciate her attention to detail and know that she will give us the best advice, even if it may not be what we want to hear. We have recommended Kristina to friends who have been equally impressed. It is always a pleasure working with Kristina and her very capable paralegal, Janet. Although they have many clients, we always feel we are treated as special, and that we are getting the best possible legal assistance.
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12 Mar, 2009 by Joann
I have used Kristina Udall for estate planning and have recommended her to others. My mother used her services after my father passed away for probate. I'm an attorney and I consider her to be superb in her field.
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12 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
From the fist meeting to the final signing of the papers, Ms. Udall was very professional, knowledgable and timely.
We believe her hourly charges were just and valued.
We will use Ms. Udall again.
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07 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
We used John Keckemet to create our wills and estate planning documents after we used his partner, Albert Lirhus, to finalize our adoption. We were pleased with the work that John did. He was very patient, willing to explain the differences between different facets of estate planning. The documentation he created was very thorough. I would recommend him, especially for those who need a little hand holding (not literally) through this difficult and often tedious process.
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15 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
John represented our family in the area of Estate Planning. He created a Revocable Trust Agreement along with the other necessary documents ie. Wills, Reciprocal Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, etc.
John is patience and has a way of communicating legal jargon in a plain and simple easy to understand way.
We are confident that the thoughtful work that John did for us will not only benefit our family in this lifetime, but also in the life of our daughter Britt life after we pass away.
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02 Dec, 2023 by Amanda and james
We hired Sean to help us with establishing a will and trust. He was easy to work with, clear in communication (and helped us to understand the legal jargon), prompt, and exceptionally accommodating of our schedules and needs as we coordinated meetings. In areas we were uncertain about, Sean offered suggestions and insight from his professional and personal experience, helping us to make informed decisions that supported our family's needs. We are glad to have worked with Sean and are relieved to have our estate planning complete.
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27 Jun, 2022 by J
I contacted Sean about a will and the proper way to assure my children would be well cared for upon my passing. The free consultation convinced me that I would be able to work with Sean easily. With Sean's guidance, I now have a will and trust that put me at ease about my assets.
We communicated primarily via email. Sean responded quickly and fully to any questions I raised, and changed a few items at my request, no problem. He guided me in several areas with which I wasn't familiar.
I'm pleased to have taken care of this end-of-life planning, and to have used Sean's services.
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03 Nov, 2009 by Lisa
Darcy is professional, knowledgeable, honest and level-headed. She provided my family much-needed guidance in working through some estate issues during my father's terminal illness. I am happy to provide Darcy my highest recommendation.
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03 Nov, 2009 by Matthew ellis
I have recommended Darcy to many people who have retained her. NO ONE is as good as Darcy, she is hands down the best attorney I have ever worked with.
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25 Dec, 2023 by Caroll
I hired Carol Vaughn to help with a particularly difficult probate case. She was not only competent but also settled the matter in an expeditious manner. I highly recommend her!
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13 Dec, 2007 by Anonymous
There have been very few times in my life where I have needed an attorney. The occasion upon which I needed Ann's assistance, I found to be pleasent in light of the circumstances. Ann was responsive, communicative, and exceeded my expectations in handling the situation.
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14 Mar, 2018 by Gini
I met with Patrick today to discuss what I should do in response to a violation issued by a police offer in Edmonds. I contested this, thinking the infraction was an error. I consulted with Patrick Carter, Atty, today. He was very helpful. First he listened carefully without interruption to my too lengthy explanation of the circumstances. Then he reviewed the documents that I brought with me, recommending I contact the DOL about the matter, which I did, learning that the infraction for which I was cited. Patrick kept me cool, calm and collected and altered the way I will respond to this matter. Many thanks.
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15 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I found Mrs. Misty Hayes an excellent attorney who has everything a client needs to get the best result in a family legal matter. She is extremely professional, knowledgeable, detail-oriented , compassionate and absolutely wonderful lawyer. She does not miss something and pay attention to every detail. I highly recommend her for family legal matters.
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07 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Lora assisted my family with estates/trusts work and did a great job, was very efficient and a joy to work with.
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01 Jul, 2022 by Bruce
Michelle has represented me over the last year, and made the process of become my mother's guardian very smooth. Michelle always kept me aware of the next steps, and there were no surprises. I am 100% satisfied with her representation.
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09 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
This review is for Sharon Perlin who is an Attorney at Flaccus Law.
It's easy to have an estate plan written. It's also easy to put off having an estate plan written, or in my case, updated. Ten years ago we managed to write estate documents including wills, health care directives, organ donor instructions, burial instructions and other estate planning documents, but ten years later, despite job changes, a new house, investments, etc. they had never been updated. And, while I suppose out of date documents are better than no documents at all, as we prepared to head on an extended vacation to a sometimes unstable part of the world, we thought maybe this is a good time to update everything.
The first time we did our estate documents it was at one of the fancy downtown law firms and while we were perfectly happy with the outcome, you couldn't help but be aware of the setting and the fact that every half hour meant another $150 to the bill. This time around we made a conscious decision that we wanted to stay away from the high priced, high rise firms and find someone in our neighborhood who could provide personalized care and advice in a more casual and affordable way.
Meeting with Sharon for the first time we immediately felt comfortable. She is warm and friendly and as we started talking about our estate documents and our objectives for updating them, it was also clear that she is very knowledgeable. Sharon also has that important ability to take complex legal concepts and distil them down to layman's terms. At that initial meeting and subsequent conversations Sharon took us through a thorough recap of all the elements of our current documents and, section by section, walked us through changes we might consider and why. Her suggestions were based on sound logic and at all times we felt like our estate planning goals were front of mind.
The entire process took a few weeks with the final visit to Sharon's office to actually sign the new documents. As we were just about to take off on our vacation, Sharon was gracious enough to mail hard copies to our estate executor.
Taking the time to create an estate plan is a responsibility that all adults should take seriously. There is simply no reason that anyone should ever pass without having their estate in order. Don't have an estate plan? Need to have your estate plan updated? I would wholeheartedly recommend Sharon. I would also not hesitate to use her for any of the other legal areas that she specializes in, including trusts, probate and probate litigation, guardianships, and IRS tax controversies.
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31 May, 2017 by Kate
I was completely overwhelmed by the details and numerous steps it was going to take to get divorced and Jacqueline was an amazing guide. While the details of my divorce seemed very simple, my ex-husband and I were dealing with several states, and a boatload of paperwork that was difficult to sift through. She brought insight and direction to the process and really asked the tough questions that helped me advocate for myself. Divorce is a terrifically tough and emotional time and having Jacqueline as a second set of eyes was indispensable.
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06 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
My husband and I are extremely pleased with the estate planning work that Heidi Orr provided to us. Heidi is very professional, confident, knowledgeable and personable. She was able to answer all of our questions and concerns regarding our estate plan. I would HIGHLY recommend Heidi to others.
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15 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
I've been a client of Nancy's for many years, and she has always been forthright and easy to work with, blending high ethics and business acumen. Highly recommended!
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Trusts Lawyer Can Do for You
A trusts lawyer specializes in creating and managing trusts, which are legal entities that allow individuals to transfer assets to beneficiaries while maintaining control over how and when those assets are distributed. Trusts are used for estate planning, asset protection, tax planning, and ensuring the financial security of loved ones. Trusts lawyers help clients choose the right type of trust for their needs, draft trust documents, and advise on the administration and management of trusts.
Whether you're planning to pass on your assets to your heirs, protect your wealth from creditors, or provide for a disabled family member, a trusts lawyer can help you establish a trust that meets your financial and personal goals.
When Should I Hire a Trusts Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a trusts lawyer in various situations, particularly when you're planning for the future distribution of your assets or protecting your wealth. Common reasons to hire a trusts lawyer include:
- Estate planning: If you want to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, a lawyer can help you create a revocable or irrevocable trust to avoid probate and provide for your heirs.
- Asset protection: If you want to protect your assets from creditors, lawsuits, or potential future liabilities, a lawyer can help you establish a trust to shield your wealth.
- Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member, a lawyer can create a special needs trust to provide for their care without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.
- Tax planning: If you're looking to minimize estate taxes or manage tax liabilities, a lawyer can help you create tax-advantageous trusts, such as a credit shelter trust or charitable remainder trust.
- Charitable giving: If you want to leave a legacy through charitable donations, a lawyer can help you set up a charitable trust to ensure your donations are managed according to your wishes.
- Business succession planning: If you own a business and want to ensure a smooth transition of ownership, a lawyer can help you establish a trust to pass the business on to your heirs or chosen successors.
Hiring a trusts lawyer early in the estate planning process ensures that your assets are protected and your wishes are clearly documented, reducing the chances of disputes after your death.
What Does a Trusts Lawyer Do?
A trusts lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help individuals create, manage, and administer trusts. Their responsibilities often include:
- Drafting trust documents: Preparing the legal documents needed to create the trust, ensuring it is tailored to your specific goals and complies with state and federal laws.
- Choosing the right type of trust: Assisting clients in selecting the most appropriate type of trust for their needs, whether it's a revocable trust, irrevocable trust, living trust, or special needs trust.
- Trust administration: Guiding trustees through their legal responsibilities, including managing assets, making distributions to beneficiaries, and filing tax returns.
- Modifying or terminating trusts: Helping modify or terminate trusts if circumstances change, such as changes in tax laws, family situations, or personal preferences.
- Protecting beneficiaries' interests: Structuring trusts to protect the interests of beneficiaries, especially if there are concerns about financial management, disability, or dependency issues.
- Minimizing estate taxes: Assisting clients in structuring their trusts to minimize or avoid estate taxes, ensuring more of the estate passes to beneficiaries.
- Handling disputes: Mediating or representing clients in court if disputes arise among beneficiaries or between trustees and beneficiaries.
How Are Trusts Lawyers Paid?
Trusts lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the trust and the type of legal work involved. Common payment methods include:
- Flat fee: For drafting basic trusts, such as revocable living trusts or special needs trusts, many lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the trust.
- Hourly rate: For more complex trust planning, ongoing trust administration, or resolving disputes, some lawyers charge by the hour. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: For long-term trust administration or complex estate planning cases, some lawyers may require a retainer, an upfront payment that covers ongoing services.
- Contingency fee (rare): In rare cases, particularly in disputes involving the administration of a trust, lawyers may work on a contingency fee basis, getting paid only if they successfully recover funds or resolve a legal dispute in your favor.
Always discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the total cost of services.
How Much Does a Trusts Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a trusts lawyer depends on the complexity of the trust, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Basic trust creation: For simple trusts, such as revocable living trusts, fees may range from $1,000 to $3,000.
- Complex trust creation: For sophisticated estate plans involving multiple trusts, tax planning strategies, or special needs considerations, legal fees may range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Trust administration: If you are serving as a trustee and need ongoing legal advice, hourly rates for trust administration can range from $150 to $500 or more.
- Dispute resolution: Costs for litigation or mediation in trust disputes may range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
Be sure to get a detailed cost estimate from your lawyer during the consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask a Trusts Lawyer
Before hiring a trusts lawyer, consider asking the following questions:
-
What experience do you have with creating trusts?
Ensure the lawyer has experience drafting trusts and managing trust administration for clients with similar goals or asset structures. -
What types of trusts do you recommend for my situation?
Ask the lawyer to explain the different types of trusts available and which ones best suit your needs. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate of the total cost. -
What are the tax implications of the trust?
Ensure the lawyer can explain how the trust will affect your taxes and strategies to minimize tax liability. -
How long will it take to set up the trust?
Ask for a timeline for creating and finalizing the trust documents. -
Will you handle the trust administration?
If ongoing management is required, inquire whether the lawyer will assist with trust administration or if you'll need a separate trustee. -
Can you help resolve disputes if they arise?
Ask about the lawyer's experience in resolving trust disputes.
How to Check the Credibility of a Trusts Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable trusts lawyer, take the following steps:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and has no disciplinary actions.
- Look for trust law experience: Review their website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in estate planning and trusts.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for feedback on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google.
- Ask for references: Request references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Check for certifications: Look for certifications such as Certified Estate Planning Law Specialist (EPLS) or memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA).
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your first consultation with a trusts lawyer, bring the following:
- List of assets: Prepare a list of all your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property.
- List of beneficiaries: Provide names and contact information of individuals or organizations you want to name as beneficiaries.
- Existing estate planning documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, or other estate planning documents.
- Financial information: Bring financial statements, tax returns, and other relevant financial documentation.
- Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions about the trust creation process, fees, and how the trust will protect your assets and beneficiaries.
- Goals for the trust: Clearly outline your objectives, such as asset protection, tax minimization, or provisions for beneficiaries, so the lawyer can tailor the trust to your needs.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation effectively and receive the best possible legal advice for creating and managing your trust.
